Australia offers some of the most unique locations for a family holiday with activities to suit all ages and interests. There's so much to see and so many activities to do, here are a few of our favourites.
Fun and adventure for ages 1 to 100!
Sydney has an abundance of activities for the family to enjoy. Start with a ride on a double-decker bus, hop off at Sea Life Aquarium, Wild Life World or Bondi Beach and take on a surf lesson with one of the locals … or go horse riding in Centennial Park. Back in the city centre take the Sydney Tower Eye's outdoor Skywalk for a 360 degree view or climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (age restrictions apply). Join a guided bike tour through parks, along the harbour foreshore and past many of Sydney's icons. Experience a sleepover with creatures great and small at Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo — Sydney's wildest slumber party! Be treated to a night zoo safari, spectacular harbour views and good food … a night to remember. Young astronomers can turn their gaze to the stars at the Sydney Observatory for a twilight tour and enjoy the 3D space theatre. Venture out of the city to visit one of the many national parks, Australian wildlife parks or a farmstay. Soar through the tree-tops at an adventure park, go whale or dolphin watching, horse riding, kayaking, cycling or bush walking … so much to do.
Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and home to 'Nemo', The Whitsundays is made up of 74 tropical islands surrounded by sapphire blue water. With plenty of fun-in-the-sun activities for all ages, families can enjoy snorkelling the reef, sailing, fishing and many other water-based activities. Round up your little pirates and set sail aboard a historic tall ship to fringing coral reefs, beaches and stopping in little known snorkelling sites. Children of all ages will enjoy learning to hoist the sails and steer the ship on an exciting sailing adventure to remember. Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef for an overnight stay on a permanently moored pontoon. As you lie in cosy swags, stare up at the stars and enjoy a time-out from technology. Spend your days snorkelling, diving, swimming or spotting tropical gems and marine life from the semi-submarine or visit the underwater observatory in this unique reef-sleep experience like no other.
Kakadu National Park from wildlife and aboriginal culture to waterfalls and waterholes. A family trip in stunning Kakadu National Park will delight every family member. Experience the ancient aboriginal culture, discover amazing rock art, giant termite mounds, the splendour of Ubirr and swimming in natural waterholes. Don't miss a boat cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong where you can spot exotic birds and giant crocodiles.
The Red Centre is full of interesting experiences for a family adventure be it a road trip, camping or coach touring through an extraordinary landscape that will introduce the family to the oldest living culture in the world. You can also explore this stunning part of the outback by a quad bike tour, camel ride or helicopter flight. At Uluru view the amazing night sky with the resident astronomer, take a sunset or sunrise camel safari, enjoy indigenous storytelling or a bush-tucker and reptile tour. In Alice Springs, visit the world's largest classroom — the School of the Air to see how isolated students participate in school classes. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service, another iconic Australian outback service — get among the interactive displays or at the Reptile Centre meet Terry the Saltwater Crocodile, see huge perentie goannas, thorny devils, frill-neck lizards and some of the world's most venomous snakes.
Canberra, Australia's Capital — is the ultimate family-friendly destination brimming with an array of attractions and activities designed for the whole family. Rise early to join a hot air balloon flight before heading over to Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre, sure to keep the family entertained with over 200 interactive exhibitions and programs inspiring children to love science. Dinosaur fans of all ages will completely 'dig' the National Dinosaur Museum with one of the largest displays of dinosaurs and prehistoric life in Australia. Listen to Australia's stories come to life over at the National Museum of Australia and join an adventure game designing a time-travelling robot blasting back to a mystery location in Australia's past. Share a day in the life of a farming family on a 1500-acre sheep and cattle farm watching the Australian kelpie dogs work, see sheep shearing demonstrations and enjoy a hearty Aussie Barbie (barbeque) lunch for an authentically Australian experience. Get active outdoors at one of the many great parks, playgrounds, cycle paths, trails and nature reserves. With so much to offer, Australia's Capital — Canberra, is an adventure that all the family will enjoy.